Overview & Reviews

Three-row crossovers may have replaced the minivan as the preferred form of family transportation, but that doesn't mean they're hip. Enter the Ford Flex, which is a lot like a large wagon, but in a stylish way. By adding a few Mini Cooper-inspired design touches (such as the blacked-out roof pillars and contrasting roof colors), the Ford Flex strikes us as perhaps the coolest choice among seven-passenger crossovers. It also happens to work just fine as a family vehicle with its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, excellent build quality and pleasant driving dynamics. As a new or used vehicle, it's one of our top choices.

Current Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is a seven-passenger crossover wagon with a boxy body designed to maximize interior volume and style. Available second-row captain's chairs that slide and recline increase comfort, but decrease seating capacity to six.

Standard across the board is a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Limited offers the option of a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 good for 365 hp and 350 lb-ft that is all-wheel drive only. Both engines send their power through a six-speed automatic.

The Flex comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. The base SE comes pretty well equipped, with feature highlights including 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, the Sync voice command system and a six-speaker CD stereo. The midlevel SEL adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, an enhanced Sync system, heated front seats and a 12-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The Ford Flex Limited gains 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, a rearview camera, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system with HD radio. Notable options, depending on the trim level, include a multipanel sunroof, second-row captain's chairs, a refrigerated second-row console, adaptive cruise control and an automated parallel parking system.

The Flex's interior has an upscale appearance and very good materials, although both the standard and MyFord Touch electronics interfaces can be unintuitive. The Flex features three spacious rows of seats, and even the rearmost seats can comfortably accommodate those taller than 6 feet. Entry and exit to those seats are eased by the Flex's low ride height and the second row that can tumble forward at the push of a button. Both back rows fold flat for cargo storage.

In reviews, we've found the Flex a great road trip companion with its responsive performance, handy features and smooth, quiet ride. The standard V6 powertrain is fairly refined, and handling of the SE and SEL versions composed, if not entertaining. The Limited's turbocharged V6 and tighter suspension tuning give it more of a sport wagon demeanor that should please enthusiasts who need a spacious family vehicle.

Used Ford Flex Models
The Ford Flex was introduced for 2009 and ran through 2012 mostly unchanged. That first year, the standard (and only) engine offered was the 3.5-liter V6, then producing 262 hp. Three trims were offered: base SE, midlevel SEL and plush Limited. Although generally very well-rounded and comfortable, the debut-year Flex lacked a telescoping steering wheel, which made it difficult for taller drivers to get comfortable. For 2010, Ford introduced the telescoping steering wheel as well as the turbocharged, 355-hp 3.5-liter V6 option. The following year, the glitzy, chrome-wheeled Titanium trim level joined the lineup. Oddly, the very next year would be the last for the Titanium.

The Flex received a midcycle refresh for 2013, which swapped out the triple-blade shaver-inspired grille for a sleeker, simpler look. Other changes that year included increased engine output (with the base V6 making 285 hp and the turbocharged version cranking out 365 hp) and the availability of cutting-edge features such as MyFord Touch, the automated parking system, inflatable second-row seatbelts and adaptive cruise control. Today's Flex is pretty much identical save for a small bump in output for the base V6 (to 287 hp) and a minor shuffling of equipment.

User Reviews:

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  Ooh..aww! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Crystal M - April 7 - 10:11 pm

  We have only had our Flex about a month. So far we love it. We compared vehicles for over 6 months before buying. We love the space & all the luxuries. Everyone always ask to look inside. Too many compliments about this car. I hope the reliability is as great as all the features.

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  Love My Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By flexaholic - April 7 - 5:12 pm

  We ordered a 2010 Flex SEL with leather seats, and a white roof. We had to order the "package" in order to get leather seats. The package came with a few little bells and whistles but we really didnt need those. It took a little less than 3 months to take delivery. I took a long trip in it and immediately put about 1500 miles on it. This car was a smooth ride with plenty of visibility and comfort. I didnt realize it had a tilt wheel until after I returned from the trip. It was a nice feature. The only complaint I have are the front head rests. Im a woman and wear my hair in a clippy in the back, which hits the head rest. I turned it around and it was fine.

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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Satisflexed - March 30 - 8:28 am

  Weve had our flex for over 6 months and we love it! initially my wife was little hesitant because but shes now a big proponent of the car. I cant tell you how many of her friends have said "I live your Flex". Personally I love smaller cars but I often take the wife car instead of my own car. The car if incredibly comfortable and the wife and my 4 kids are anxiously looking forward to our first long road trip. You know something is up when youre looking forward to along drive w/ 4 kids :-)

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  As the wife says "Love it" - 2010 Ford Flex
  By gregh9999 - March 26 - 6:54 am

  We traded in a two year old Edge for the Flex. She wanted something that she could see out of. Of course I wanted a Taurus SHO. We compromised, she got the Flex, and I got the EcoBoost AWD and 20" wheels. The best of both worlds, a Taurus SHO station wagon. By far its the nicest vehicle we have ever owned. Clean styling, lots of room, very comfortable, very good handling, and for me, fun to drive.

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  I love my flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Angela - March 24 - 1:27 pm

  We just purchased the flex it is the best car we have ever owned we have 3 children and everyone is so comfortable and has there own space its just a fun ride, we recently went on a road trip and got 28 mpg of course this just depends on how you drive your vehicle we have never had any problems only routine maintenance for people who have had a lot of brake trouble its probably because they are rough on the brakes I would highly recommend the flex for any family also my husband and we still in our 20s and it doesnt make us feel old like a van does.

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  I love my Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By CJ - March 18 - 9:12 am

  As a mother, this car is so ideal! The seats easy fold down button is a plus gorgeous leather interior satellite radio smooth handling easy acceleration lots of leg room for my 6 foot tall hubby

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  Great car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Joe H. - March 8 - 11:00 pm

  Drove our Flex on a road trip to Florida within weeks of buying. Ill give Ford all 10s for everything but the level of comfort of the front seat cushions.

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  flex headrests - 2009 Ford Flex
  By john - March 6 - 7:15 pm

  I have solved the headrest issue. I purchased a set of Toyota 4Runner headrests, from a wrecking yard, recovered them to match, a much better front seat now. The new headrests are adjustable back and forth, so all who ride are able to make a selection of the rest position. Total cost $100. This was my only solution since Ford took a no action attitude. Not what I call Superior Customer Service!

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  Awesome - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Matt - February 23 - 9:48 am

  I am 64, 260lbs. When I sat in this car it was like sitting out in the open. So much space in the front! The leather seats are incredible comfortable. The styling inside and out is really nice. I really looked around before my family picked the Flex. We fall in love with it more each day. It is like sitting in a lazy boy and driving around. Smooth ride. Great handling. Didnt get the limited so I am thinking about getting some additions at some point. This car also has plenty of space. We have 2 kids and dont have a problem with room.

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  Flex Is Excellent! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Buzz Garven - February 21 - 9:37 pm

  This vehicle from FORD has made us completely forget about our overpriced, awfully reliable BMW X5 Sport, and we Saved $30,000 by purchasing FORD FLEX instead of European service nightmare.